The value attached to hardship by Nietzsche at times seems overbearing and harsh, however it can’t be argued with that the views espoused by Nietzsche and his approach to life are undoubtedly true.

The theme of suffering being a catalyst to greatness permeates innumerable philosophies and views of life,the great ‘prophets’ of Abrahamic religions and the enlightened ones of Eastern religions, but even in a secular context the idea is still prevalent. Homeric heroes like Hercules and Odysseus undergo trials and tribulations but emerge from the proverbial ‘tunnel’ victorious in the end.

Especially within Cormac Mccarthy’s ‘the Road’ moral nihilism, the idea that there is no right or wrong but only survival or death, is a key theme and arguably the reason why the man and the boy remain alive for such a long period of time. Within an orthodox society taking food from abandoned homes would still be seen as morally dubious however the dismissal of such opinions means that the two characters are able to find nourishment. Furthermore the lack of overbearing theology means that in deciding that suicide is the best option if circumstances encourage it, there is no sense of guilt or fear of being condemned to some sort of spiritual punishment.

Ultimately Nietzsche was correct in viewing suffering and pain as a defining factor in the life of human beings, because whilst the reader parts with the boy when he meets the almost Messianic ‘good guy’ it is highly likely that were the story to continue the boy who has become wise beyond his years would be instrumental in rebuilding and re-establishing society.